Golden retrievers are intelligent, loyal and social animals. They are both relaxed, happy with people and have good self-confidence. Therefore, they do very well as a family dog. Other characteristics of the breed's personality are that it is adaptable and docile, and likes to join in everyday activities or walks. They are welcoming, friendly and generally enthusiastic about most things. Their mental development is somewhat slow, and they will therefore not be adults and fully mature until they are about 4 years old.

Their playful and “people-loving” personality makes Golden Retrievers good with children. However, remember that young children should not be left alone with the dog, no matter how kind and patient the four-legged friend is. Accidents can happen, and even the most tolerant dog can become irritated under certain circumstances.

Note: A golden retriever often loves water, year-round. This makes the breed particularly susceptible to wet eczema. You can read more about wet eczema in dogs and how to prevent it here.

The furry ray of sunshine is also quite active. A golden retriever needs a lot of stimulation, both physically and mentally. They are also not very independent, and therefore depend on their owner for training and upbringing.

The dogs are usually easy to train, making Golden Retrievers well suited as service dogs, for example as companion dogs, guide dogs, or therapy dogs.

Weight and size

Male dogs average 56 - 61 cm tall, while females are approximately 51 - 56 cm tall. The average weight is between 27 and 36 kg.

Lifespan

12 - 15 years

Hereditary diseases

The Golden Retriever breed is generally in good health. However, there are some hereditary diseases that you should be aware of before getting a dog. It is important to confirm that the parents are healthy and tested for the diseases required by the breed club.

Some common hereditary diseases in golden retrievers are hip dysplasia (HD), elbow dysplasia (AD), OCD (Osteochondrosis), epilepsy , cataracts , PRA (progressive retinal atrophy), and atopy .

The coat of a Golden Retriever is usually medium-length, dense and smooth. It has a water-repellent topcoat and an insulating undercoat, which protects against cold and moisture. Grooming does not need to be more extensive than regular brushing, and when needed. The color of the coat varies from light cream to darker shades of gold and copper.

When choosing food for a golden retriever, you should choose a type of food that is adapted to the dog's health. It is especially important to have the right puppy food in the first year, as this is an important health foundation for the rest of the dog's life. Furthermore, an adult golden retriever can be given dog food that is adapted to its size and activity level, so that it can maintain a healthy weight.